Dh10,000 fine for erecting Ramadan tents without a permit

Abu Dhabi - Tents must not cause any damage to utility lines, sidewalks or streets.

The Abu Dhabi City Municipality warned that erecting a Ramadan tent without prior permit renders offenders liable for a fine of up to Dh10,000.
This comes under the Law No. 16/2009 governing construction works in Abu Dhabi emirate. Article 13 prohibits the erection of temporary installations without a permit and can result in a fine as well as removing the violation at the expense of the violator.
Those wishing to set up tents must submit applications to Abu Dhabi City Municipality seeking temporary permits according to the set template. The application for installing a Ramadan tent must include all supporting documents required along with an undertaking from the applicant to comply with the stipulations set by the Municipality. Issuing such permits is provided by the Municipality as a complimentary service with no fees involved.
Having completed the required documents for Ramadan tents, certain guidelines must be met and the verified during the onsite inspection of the venue where Ramadan tent will be erected. Ramadan tent guidelines are:
1. Tents must not be erected on utility lines or and extensions of all kinds.
2. Tents erection must not cause any damage to utility lines, sidewalks or streets.
3. Tents must not block streets, routes or entry points to buildings, car parks or emergency exits.
4. Tents must not affect the mobility of pedestrians, nor must they be erected on private properties of a third party.
The Municipality is keen to provide the highest standards and specifications of safety and security in Ramadan temporary tents and therefore underscores the importance of obtaining necessary approvals from the concerned parties before tent installation such as the General Directorate of Civil Defense to review the security and safety requirements for tents installation and the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company for electrical connections and installations.
If necessary, visit the Traffic and Patrol Department (in case the tent is erected on a public road or public parking), to ensure public safety. Non-compliance with the above guidelines would cause damage or injury that may undermine the safety of community members.
The Municipality has also assigned inspectors to carry out the field inspection tours as soon as possible. Having fulfilled these requirements, applicants may obtain the required permit from the concerned authorities.
The Municipality also conducts inspection tours to examine the tent after installation to make sure that it conforms to the applicable specifications and conditions, which aim to preserve community safety.
During the previous holy month of Ramadan, the Municipality issued 155 Ramadan tent permits in Abu Dhabi and its suburbs, 94 permits in Abu Dhabi City, 14 permits in Shahama and 47 permits in Wathba.

• Ramadan 2021